Resilience and Reckoning: Centering Survivor Voices in Policing

Twenty-one years ago, Julie Lalonde called the Ottawa Police to report that her ex-boyfriend was stalking her. Her experience, like that of many victims at the time, was not met with the level of understanding, urgency, or validation it deserved. The response fell short, and the impact of that gap in protection is something that continues to shape how we do this work today.

On Tuesday, April 14, Sgt. Mark Horton of the Ottawa Police Behavioural Analysis Unit hosted a free in-person workshop focused on stalking and criminal harassment, bringing together members, partners, and community voices to deepen understanding of these complex and often dangerous behaviours. Julie was invited to open the session and speak first that morning.

Her presence was more than symbolic. It reflected a commitment to acknowledging past shortcomings, learning directly from lived experience, and ensuring those most affected by these crimes are not only heard, but centered in the conversation that shapes our response.

Repairing relationships with the community takes more than words—it requires sustained accountability, education, and a willingness to listen, especially when the stories shared are difficult to hear. By giving victims the microphone and working with the community, we strengthen our understanding of the real-world impact of stalking and criminal harassment.

We ensure our members are better equipped to recognize risk, intervene earlier, and support those in crisis with greater care and consistency.

We are grateful to Julie for her advocacy, and her continued work to improve outcomes for women in our city.